Economic and Social Inequality in the United States - Essay Example

Economic and Social Inequality in the United States The general rate of inequality in the United States has been noted to be gradually increasing at an alarming rate. This increase in inequality is perceived to mainly be driven by a number of factors such as government policies on taxes and deregulation and political choices that are inherently different from those policies and choices adopted by other countries.Culture affects the way the political and economics of a country are carried. Looking at American and European countries indicates that there is a difference in culture, in various dimensions of life.

America, while promoting liberty and freedom of speech, has been seen as a place where people are afraid of speaking their minds. This can be attributed to the cultural socio-economic history of the nations, with regard to trying to protecting the many ethnic groups which has lewd to a situation where people have to be careful what they say, rest they be in a situation where they are accused of hate speech. The most significant difference between American and European culture is the American consumerism.

In the past five decades, American consumerism has been said to increase and it has also been attributed in part to the recent economic crisis. Europeans are seen as more shy with regard to spending and have been seen as more conservative. In line with this consumerism, American have also been seen as too concerned with money as opposed to trying to live more well rounded lives. In this regard, quality if life matters less as long as one has a fat bank account in America. Americans are not all bad though.

In fact, it is considered that Americans are some of the most inspiring people in the world, always seeing their problems as opportunities to do greater things (Katzenstein, 78). This is unlike people from most European countries such as Germany where people live more closeted lives and adventure is not considered as a good way to spend life. These culturally differences have significant implications, both positive and negative, with regard to the economics of a nations and are necessary to study and understand.

In order to be able to successfully achieve these objectives, I will need to take Sociology 130AC: Social Inequalities: American Cultures- the course will help me gain a deeper perspective into the historical causes as well as consequences of inequality in the United States. The various concepts and theories will prove to be a much needed foundation that will help me in better understanding the origins of both some of the urban economic problems as well as inequality problems in the country with special emphasis on some key factor such as social class, gender, ethnicity and race.

A class in International and Area Studies 150: Poverty and Social policy, will help in informing me on exactly how poverty is dealt with not only in the United States, but also in some of the richer European member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The unit will help in strengthening my grasp on the theories that shape the measure and understanding of poverty as well as help me in considering some of the possible explanations for the persistence of poverty.

Taking a class in Public Policy 190: Poverty and Inequality will serve to help me further my knowledge on poverty and inequality by equipping me with knowledge and understanding on the current issues and problems affecting the two and especially so in relation to the field of public policy. Works CitedKatzenstein, Peter. A World of Regions: Asia and Europe in the American Imperium. New York City, NY: Cornell University Press, 2005.